For both men and women, the most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain. However, women may experience a heart attack without chest discomfort or pressure. Symptoms of a heart attack, for both men and women, include:
• Chest pain, discomfort or pressure;
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or one or both arms;
• Shortness of breath;
• Lightheadedness;
• Nausea or vomiting;
• Cold sweats; and
• Dizziness.
Women are more likely to experience other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, jaw or back pain, nausea or vomiting. Women also may experience extreme fatigue or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen. It's not uncommon for women to write off their symptoms as other, less serious health concerns, such as acid reflux or the flu.
The American Heart Association recommends calling 911 as soon as you experience heart attack signs, even if you are unsure. Fast action is required for a heart attack, and minutes can save lives.
Heart disease and menopause
The risk of heart disease increases with age for men and women. However, women who have experienced menopause are at a greater risk for heart disease.
According to the AHA, 54 is the average age women experience menopause -- 12 months without a period. Heart attack risk increases in women about 10 years after menopause occurs.
The female hormone estrogen may keep blood vessels flexible in the inner layer of the artery wall, allowing them to expand to accommodate blood flow. In addition to lower estrogen levels, unhealthy habits, such as eating a high-fat diet, smoking and following a sedentary lifestyle, can increase heart disease risk.
The AHA does not recommend taking hormone therapy to increase estrogen and instead encourages women to eat a heart-healthy diet and aim for 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
Concerned about your heart health? Quality cardiovascular care is right around the corner at Northwest Health Cardiology in Siloam Springs. To schedule an appointment, call 479-215-3060.
About Siloam Springs Regional Hospital
Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is a 73 licensed bed facility with 42 private patient rooms. It is accredited by the State of Arkansas Department of Health Services and The Joint Commission. Some services include inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency medicine, medical, surgical and intensive care units, obstetrics, outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. With more than 50 physicians on the medical staff, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital provides compassionate, customer-focused care. SSRH is an affiliate of Northwest Health, one of the largest health networks in Northwest Arkansas, and through that affiliation is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a select group of independent health systems that work closely with Mayo Clinic to improve the delivery of health care and better serve their patients and their communities. Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is located at 603 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs. For more information, visit NorthwestHealth.com.
Community on 02/13/2019